Overly Sensitive pad on keyboard

Got a new Dell Inspiron 15R in early January, and I am generally pleased with it, and am getting used to the Windows 8 on it, although I tend to go right to the desktop "app." But here's the problem:

The touchpad on the keyboard is way too sensitive. When I am typing, which is mostly what I do on this machine, my thumbs hover over that pad, and frequently trigger it even though I don't touch it. Must be the heat of my hand. Is there any way to desensitize it or turn it off, short of throwing it against the wall? I use a wireless mouse, which I prefer over that pad anyway. I can't be the only one with this problem. HELP!